Men who are unlucky in love should try wearing purple more often to help them find a partner, a new study suggests.

A poll of 2,000 people found women are more likely accept a date from men wearing purple.

Researchers surveyed the attitudes of men and women on their partner's choice of clothes and their thoughts on 'dating deal-breakers'.

The secret to finding love? Men should wear a purple shirt to attract the opposite sex, a survey claims (posed by models)

The survey, by washing detergent maker Ariel, found that a right choice on the fashion front could mean successfully getting a date while the wrong will often mean sure defeat - especially if you're a man.

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More than a quarter of women - 28 per cent - admitted they have declined a date with someone because they hated their clothes, while only 14 per cent of male respondents were so picky.

Women felt so strongly about a man's dress sense that 60 per cent said clothes are the top dating deal breaker, followed in second place by a suitor's haircut - 17 per cent - and style of shoes - nine per cent.

Critical: More than a quarter of women admit to turning down a date because of the way the man dressed

Results also showed men stood more of a chance with the ladies if they wear purple, with more than a third - 36 per cent - accepting a date from a man dressed in a purple shirt.

The next most desirable colour was the smart 'milk tray man' look, favoured by in 32 per cent of women, followed by the classic crisp white shirt with 13 per cent.

Wearing blue or pink is likely to leave men going home alone, taking just 11 per cent and 6 per cent of the votes.

Even
if men past the first test, at least a quarter of women are still
plotting a wardrobe overhaul, with 25 per cent admitting they think
there is room for improvement in their partner's dress sense.

One in 20 admit they dictate their partner's style when they leave the house.

However,
sometimes to their partner's dismay, at least 25 per cent of men won't
seek anyone else's opinion on what they choose to wear for a night out.

About
31 per cent of women admit to having no qualms in demanding their
partner changes their clothes because they are embarrassed to be seen
out with them.

But it's not only the ladies that have a say in their other half's wardrobe, as nearly a fifth of men admit to doing the same thing.

When it comes to taking drastic measures, one in 10 men and women admitted they have even destroyed a partner's item of clothing that they really disliked.

This could be the reason 23 per cent of men said they still took their washing home for their mum to do and only four in 10 couples allow their partner to wash their favourite item of clothing.

Ania Bielecka, public relations manager for Ariel, said: 'This survey demonstrates just how important clothes are for all of us, women and men.'